Lisbon, October 27 — The Portuguese Parliament is set to vote tomorrow, October 28, on a far-reaching reform of the Nationality Law, a proposal that could reshape the rules of citizenship for thousands of foreign residents.
If approved, the changes would extend the minimum residence period in Portugal required to apply for nationality:
- Seven years for citizens from the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) and the European Union,
- Ten years for nationals of other countries.
Another key measure would allow loss of Portuguese nationality by court decision in cases involving serious crimes punishable by four years or more in prison — including crimes against the state, homicide, or rape.
One of the most contentious issues divides parties over children of foreign residents born in Portugal.
- The Socialist Party (PS) proposes nationality if one parent has been legally resident for at least two years.
- The PSD and CDS, with support from Chega, want to raise that to five years.
- The current law requires only one year.
The government also plans to abolish the Sephardic Jewish naturalization route, which has allowed descendants of Portuguese Jews expelled in the 15th century to claim citizenship by proving ancestral ties.
Special provisions for those born in former Portuguese colonies before April 25, 1974, and their descendants, will remain. Applicants must still prove genuine links to the Portuguese community — often through their grandparents’ lineage and historical records.
The reform requires an absolute majority of 116 votes in the 230-seat Assembly. With opposition from PS, Livre, PCP, and Bloco de Esquerda, the outcome may hinge on Chega’s vote. Party leader André Ventura has left the decision open but continues to press for automatic loss of nationality in cases of conviction for serious crimes.
Summary of Key Points
- Vote date: October 28, 2025
- Residency period for nationality:
- 7 years for CPLP / EU citizens
- 10 years for other nationals
- Loss of nationality: For serious crimes (≥ 4 years sentence), by judicial ruling.
- Children born in Portugal:
- PS: Parent resident 2 years
- PSD/CDS/Chega: Parent resident 5 years
- Current law: 1 year
- Sephardic Jew nationality route: To be abolished.
- Former colonies: Special regime remains for pre-1974 births and their descendants.
- Approval threshold: 116 votes required.
- Political outlook: Chega’s stance will be decisive.